ASA and USSA facilities (accredited by those agencies) both have standardized curriculum, and offer certifications. Legally, there really isn't a driver's licence for boats though, unless you want to carry passengers for hire. Then, you need a Master's Licence. If you want to bareboat charter, agencies like you to be certified, although some don't require it at all.

USSA is geared toward smaller boats, and racing, although they offer some "big boat" courses. They are the U.S. Olympic committee for sailing, and can be found in many college and university sponsored programs. Racing is a good way to get a whole lot of experience in a short period of time, and skippers are always looking for reliable experienced crew.

ASA is geared toward "big boat" sailing. Most bareboat charter agencies are affiliated with the ASA and IASA, and accept their certificates readily.

The other big factor is money. You get what you pay for. Bigger, more well maintained boats, more highly qualified and experienced instructors, nicer facilities and facility locations, etc., all cost more money. I used to teach at an ASA school in Sausalito called Modern Sailing Academy. Very high end, and very well respected. They even offer "adventure sailing" trips, for their advanced courses, overseas in exotic locations. Expensive, but fun. I do suggest you do your basic courses on San Francisco Bay. It is simply one of the most challenging sailing environments around. It will kick your ass, and teach you alot.

There is also a British organization that is highly respected, called Yachtmaster. All the European bareboat charter agencies love them, as they are extremely rigorous. I'm not sure if they are teaching on the West Coast, but they have some schools in Florida, I think.

Hope that was helpful.

Bien viento y las olas siguentes.

I'm increasingly interested in a similar goal, although the transpac is a nearer goal.

I started sailing with the goal of bareboating in distant locales, and chose OCSC because they offer courses that provide US Sailing Certificates, which seemed to be one way of getting certed for bareboating.

But as I've been sailing, I've become less interested in cruising and more interested in racing, or perhaps 'more energetic' cruising would be the correct term.

But I'm still very happy with OCSC; the prices are on the high end, but they are teaching me in a way I respect. I've been crewing in a beercan with people that have many years of experience, and I'm learning stuff that eight or ten years of 'just' experience might never teach.

I'd suggest taking a look at the stack of classes from US Sailing (see www.sailingcertification.com/cer...tml) for your baseline. OCSC offers many more classes that round out the education, as I'm sure other high quality schools do (browse OSCS's course list at www.ocscsailing.com/School/O...ses.htm).

However, the formal school approach will end up costing a lot of money.

The other way is to crew on as many boats as you can and build a reputation, then try to (a) get a crew position on the Transpac (odd years) or Pacific Cup (even years) for ocean experience, or (b) find deliveries.

But is you want to do it quick, be prepared to spend some money.

Thanks for all the information. I am looking forward to spending more of weekends on a boat..

Hope to catch some of you out on the water

:-)